While assisting a patrol officer with a scam case involving a virtual currency kiosk, I encountered a situation that highlighted a significant issue within our legal and enforcement systems. The victim, a person reliant on social security, suffered a loss that might seem minor in monetary terms but was devastating on a personal level. This incident not only exposed the vulnerabilities faced by individuals in our community but also shed light on a deeper, systemic problem: the overshadowing of victim assistance by the pride and ego prevalent within law enforcement and the judiciary.
The case in question involved a low dollar loss through a virtual currency kiosk, culminating in deposit at a peer-to-peer service. However, the response from the peer-to-peer service was not as prompt or as victim-centered as one would hope. This was made worse at the court by someone who felt their involvement was more important that an expeditious process. It became apparent that internal procedures and bureaucratic inertia were prioritized over the urgent needs of the victim. This is not an isolated incident but a reflective example of a broader issue within our legal frameworks and law enforcement agencies.
Research in criminal justice consistently emphasizes the importance of timely and sensitive handling of cases to ensure victim support. According to a study by Rebecca Campbell and Sheela Raja, the manner in which victims are treated by law enforcement and the legal system significantly impacts their psychological recovery and trust in the judicial process (Campbell, Rebecca, and Sheela Raja. "The Sexual Assault and Secondary Victimization of Female Veterans: Help-Seeking Experiences with Military and Civilian Social Systems." Psychology of Women Quarterly 25, no. 1 (2001): 37-47.). Yet, when the systems meant to protect and serve prioritize internal protocols over expedient action, they fail not just the victims but the very principles of justice they are supposed to uphold.
This issue of prioritizing procedure over people is not unique to any single institution but is indicative of a cultural problem within many bureaucratic systems. A study by Egon Bittner suggests that law enforcement officers often perceive their role as maintainers of order, which can sometimes lead to a deprioritization of individual welfare in favor of preserving systemic stability (Bittner, Egon. "Florence Nightingale in Pursuit of Willie Sutton: A Theory of the Police." In The Potential for Reform of Criminal Justice, 17-44. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications, 1974.). This perspective, while important for maintaining broader social order, can be detrimental when it impedes swift justice and effective victim support.
Moreover, the psychological impact on victims when they feel neglected by the system can be profound. As articulated by Judith Herman in her seminal work, the failure to be heard and validated by authoritative bodies can exacerbate the trauma experienced by victims (Herman, Judith Lewis. Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. New York: Basic Books, 1992.). In the case I witnessed, the victim's distress was palpable, yet the response was hampered by procedural delays, reflecting a disheartening disconnect between our legal obligations and our moral duties.
It is imperative that we address these cultural and procedural deficiencies by reevaluating our priorities and training within the legal, law enforcement, and financial intuitional communities.
Furthermore, the integration of victim advocacy programs within the police departments could ensure that the victims' needs are considered and addressed from the initial stages of law enforcement intervention. These programs have been effective in providing support and guidance to victims, thereby enhancing their overall experience with the criminal justice system (Davis, Robert C., and Carol J. Decker. "The Victim Advocacy Program: A New Approach to Legal Services for Victims of Crime." Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology 80, no. 3 (1989): 581-598.).
As professionals tasked with the management and oversight of municipal services, it is our responsibility to ensure that our systems do not just function efficiently but also compassionately. We must strive to create an environment where procedural rigor does not eclipse the essential human element of our services. By doing so, we not only uphold the law but also the dignity and rights of those we serve.
When we allow bureaucratic pride and procedural rigidity to dictate our actions, we fail not only the victims but also the foundational principles of justice and community trust. It is crucial that we reflect on these issues and work towards a more empathetic and responsive approach in handling cases involving vulnerable populations. Only then can we truly say that our systems serve the best interest of all community members, particularly those most in need of our protection and support.
Assisted by AI
Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash
References:
Bittner, Egon. "Florence Nightingale in Pursuit of Willie Sutton: A Theory of the Police." In The Potential for Reform of Criminal Justice, 17-44. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications, 1974.
Campbell, Rebecca, and Sheela Raja. "The Sexual Assault and Secondary Victimization of Female Veterans: Help-Seeking Experiences with Military and Civilian Social Systems." Psychology of Women Quarterly 25, no. 1 (2001): 37-47.
Davis, Robert C., and Carol J. Decker. "The Victim Advocacy Program: A New Approach to Legal Services for Victims of Crime." Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology 80, no. 3 (1989): 581-598.
Herman, Judith Lewis. Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence - From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. New York: Basic Books, 1992.
Kulkarni, Shanti, Sandra G. Martin, and Rebecca Macy. "Examining the Effects of a Gender-Sensitive, Trauma-Informed Care Training on the Knowledge and Attitudes of Domestic Violence Shelter Workers." Violence Against Women 18, no. 9 (2012): 1101-1118.